\Sol"emn\, a. [OE. solempne, OF. solempne, L. solemnis,
solennis, sollemnis, sollennis; sollus all, entire + annus a
year; properly, that takes place every year; -- used
especially of religious solemnities. Cf. {Silly}, {Annual}.]
1. Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or
   connected with, religion; sacred.
         His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. --Milton.
         The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn
         supplication observed everry year.    --Bp.
                                               Stillingfleet.
2. Pertaining to a festival; festive; festal. [Obs.] ``On
   this solemn day.'' --Chaucer.
3. Stately; ceremonious; grand. [Archaic]
         His feast so solemn and so rich.      --Chaucer.
         To-night we hold a splemn supper.     --Shak.
4. Fitted to awaken or express serious reflections; marked by
   seriousness; serious; grave; devout; as, a solemn promise;
   solemn earnestness.
         Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage With solemn
         touches troubled thoughts.            --Milton.
         There reigned a solemn silence over all. --Spenser.
5. Real; earnest; downright. [Obs. & R.]
         Frederick, the emperor, . . . has spared no expense
         in strengthening this city; since which time we find
         no solemn taking it by the Turks.     --Fuller.
6. Affectedly grave or serious; as, to put on a solemn face.
   ``A solemn coxcomb.'' --Swift.
7. (Law) Made in form; ceremonious; as, solemn war;
   conforming with all legal requirements; as, probate in
   solemn form. --Burrill. --Jarman. --Greenleaf.
{Solemn League and Covenant}. See {Covenant}, 2.
Syn: Grave; formal; ritual; ceremonial; sober; serious;
     reverential; devotional; devout. See {Grave}.